Management apparatus, management system, management method, and management program

ABSTRACT

A coordinator (10) includes an accepting unit (11), a required resource information calculation unit (13a), an insufficient resource information calculation unit (13b), a combination determination unit (14), and a communication unit (18). The required resource information calculation unit (13a) calculates information regarding resources required to satisfy a request accepted by the accepting unit (11). The insufficient resource information calculation unit (13b) compares the required resources calculated by the required resource information calculation unit (13a) with resources included in each of a plurality of sensor nodes (30, 40, 50), and calculates information regarding an insufficient resource that each sensor node lacks. The combination determination unit (14) determines a combination of resources required to satisfy the request, based on the information regarding the insufficient resource calculated by the insufficient resource information calculation unit (13b).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a management apparatus, managementsystem, management method, and management program with which a requestinput from outside is satisfied by providing resources included in aplurality of sensor nodes, for the request.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, IoT, Trillion Sensors, and the like have been proposed,and a world is being realized where a large number of sensor nodesinstalled in society are connected to the Internet.

These sensor nodes have a variety of software and hardware resources andexhibit various performance capabilities according to uses, but not allperformance capabilities of the sensor nodes are fully used. That is tosay, the hardware and software resources included in these sensor nodesare optimized (restricted) for respective purposes and uses envisionedfor the purposes.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an information processingapparatus that receives and displays functions of an external apparatusconnected via a network, and causes the external apparatus to perform afunction selected from a displayed list of functions by a user.

Patent Literature 2 discloses a communication system in which aplurality of apparatuses can communicate with each other, informationregarding devices that constitute each of the apparatuses is shared, andthe devices in each apparatus are managed so as to distribute the loadon the devices.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-146384A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2014-211868A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the conventional apparatus and system have the followingproblems.

That is to say, with the information processing apparatus disclosed inPatent Literature 1, the user needs to manually select a function toperform from the displayed function list, in accordance with the user'sneed. In addition, in the case of the above information processingapparatus, there may be a case where a plurality of external apparatusesneed to cooperate with each other to realize the function required forthe user's need, but the information processing apparatus is notprovided with a function of adjusting the method for this cooperation.It is therefore difficult to satisfy the user's need that can berealized by combining a plurality of resources included in a pluralityof external apparatuses.

In the communication system disclosed in Patent Literature 2, operationsperformed between a plurality of apparatuses are means for realizing thepurpose, namely load distribution. For this reason, if there is anotherpurpose (need), it is difficult to adjust operations of the devices ofthe plurality of apparatuses so as to achieve this purpose.

An object of the present invention is to provide a management apparatus,management system, management method, and management program with whichvarious needs can be satisfied by combining resources included in aplurality of sensor nodes.

Solution to Problem

A management apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention is amanagement apparatus that satisfies a request input from outside bycausing resources included in a plurality of sensor nodes to be providedfor the request, and includes an accepting unit, a resource informationacquisition unit, a required resource information calculation unit, aninsufficient resource information calculation unit, a combinationdetermination unit, and a communication unit. The accepting unit acceptsthe request. The resource information acquisition unit acquiresinformation regarding the resources included in the plurality of sensornodes. The required resource information calculation unit calculatesinformation regarding resources required to satisfy the request acceptedby the accepting unit. The insufficient resource information calculationunit compares the required resources calculated by the required resourceinformation calculation unit with resources included in each of theplurality of sensor nodes, and calculates information regarding aninsufficient resource that each of the sensor nodes lacks. Thecombination determination unit determines a combination of resourcesrequired to satisfy the request, based on the information regarding theinsufficient resource calculated by the insufficient resourceinformation calculation unit. The communication unit transmits a commandto cause a plurality of sensor nodes that include the required resourcesto provide the required resources, based on the combination determinedby the combination determination unit.

Here, even if various unexpected needs (requests) are given, theinformation regarding the resources included in the plurality of sensornodes is acquired, and a function that cannot be realized with onesensor node is realized by combining resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes.

Here, the request input from outside may be, for example, a request thatis directly input by a user, or may be a request that is input from anexternal apparatus, an external system, or the like.

A sensor node may be, for example, an apparatus in which varioussensors, a data processing function, a data communication function, amemory function, and so on, are mounted on a substrate. Various sensorsincluded in a sensor node may be various sensors for measuring physicalquantities, such as an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a currentsensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor,a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a contact sensor, and a pressuresensor. The data processing function included in a sensor node may be,for example, FFT (Fast Fourier transform), encryption processing, or thelike. Furthermore, the data communication function included in a sensornode may be, for example, wireless communication (ZigBee (registeredtrademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc.), or wirelesscommunication (wireless LAN etc.) or wired communication (LAN etc.) inwhich communication is enabled via an IP network or the like.Furthermore, the memory function included in a sensor node may be a RAM(Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like in whichsensor data can be stored.

The information (resource information) regarding resources acquired bythe resource information acquisition unit is resource informationprovided by the plurality of sensor nodes, and is information regardingresources that can be used for uses that differ from the original usesof the individual sensor nodes, for example. It is favorable that theresource information is always updated to the latest information bybeing regularly acquired from the respective sensor nodes.

The required resource information calculated by the required resourceinformation calculation unit may be calculated using the resourceinformation acquired by the resource information acquisition unit as-is,or may be calculated using resource information that is retrieved from astorage unit, an external server, a cloud system, or the like in whichthe resource information acquired by the resource informationacquisition unit is temporarily stored.

The insufficient resource information calculated by the insufficientresource information calculation unit refers to information regardinginsufficient resources for a request that cannot be executed with asingle sensor node.

The combination determination unit determines a combination that enablesthe request that cannot be executed with a single sensor node to berealized, by combining resources included in the plurality of sensornodes. The combination determination unit may determine one or moreresource combinations. For example, if a plurality of combinations arelisted, the best combination that meets various conditions may beselected.

The management apparatus may be provided in a location that differs fromthe locations of the sensor nodes, or may be provided in a specificsensor node, as long as the management apparatus can communicate withthe plurality of sensor nodes.

Thus, for example, even if a request is input that cannot be realizedonly with resources included in any one of the plurality of sensornodes, the request can be readily realized by using resources includedin the plurality of sensor nodes while effectively combining theseresources.

As a result, no new sensor node needs to be installed to satisfy therequest, and various needs can be satisfied by combining the existingsensor nodes.

A management apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to the first aspect of the inventionfurther including a storage unit for storing information regarding therequest accepted by the accepting unit, and the information regardingthe resources acquired by the resource information acquisition unit.

Here, the storage unit for storing request information input fromoutside and the resource information that the sensor nodes have isprovided within the management apparatus.

Information to be stored in the storage unit may also includeinformation other than the aforementioned request information andresource information, e.g. it may include the required resourceinformation, insufficient resource information, combination results, orthe like.

Thus, an optimum combination of sensor nodes (resources) can bedetermined for the request information input from outside, using theresource information stored in the management apparatus.

As a result of the resource information of the sensor nodes beingtemporarily stored in the management apparatus, when request informationis received, a combination that enables the request to be realized canbe determined using the latest resource information.

A management apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to the first or second aspect of theinvention in which the resource information acquisition unit regularlyacquires latest resource information from the plurality of sensor nodes.

Here, the resource information acquisition unit receives the latestresource information from the plurality of sensor nodes.

Thus, for example, even if a sensor node to be managed by the managementapparatus is added or removed, a combination of resources for therequest input from outside can be determined using the latest resourceinformation.

A management apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to any one of the first to thirdaspects of the invention in which the information regarding theresources (resource information) includes at least one of a type, astorage capacity of a memory, data processing capability, acommunication method, communication performance, and power supplyinformation of a sensor included in each sensor node.

Here, the type of sensor, storage capacity of a memory, data processingcapability, communication method, communication performance, powersupply information, or the like are used as the resource information.

Thus, an optimum resource combination can be determined while givingconsideration to the type of sensor, memory capacity, data processingcapability, communication capability, or the like that are required forthe request input from outside.

A management apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to any one of the first to fourthaspects of the invention in which the combination determination unitcalculates a plurality of combinations of resources required to satisfythe request.

Here, a plurality of combinations are obtained that meet conditionsrequired for the request input from outside.

Thus, a more optimum resource combination can be determined by furtheradding conditions, from the resource combinations that meet theconditions. As a result, the request input from outside can beaccurately realized in a high-quality manner.

A management apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the inventionin which the combination determination unit determines the combinationof the resources included in the command transmitted from thecommunication unit, from the plurality of obtained combinations of theresources, based on at least one of availability of the resources, thenumber of resources required in the combination, and a communicationspeed between the sensor nodes.

Here, if a plurality of combinations are listed, for example, selectionis made while giving priority to a combination with lower availabilityof resources, a combination with a lower number of required resources,and a combination with a higher communication speed.

By thus selecting a more favorable resource combination from thecombinations that realize the request, the request input from outsidecan be accurately realized in a high-quality manner.

A management apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the invention isthe management apparatus according to any one of the first to sixthaspects of the invention in which the insufficient resource informationcalculation unit calculates information regarding at least one of atype, capacity, performance, and time of the required resources.

Here, if the request cannot be realized with resources in a specificsensor node, the type, capacity, performance, time, or the like of therequired resources is used as the information regarding the insufficientresource.

Thus, for example, if a specific amount of a specific type of resourceis required in a specific time period, the other sensor nodes thatinclude resources that meet these conditions can be searched.

A management system according to an eighth aspect of the inventionincludes the management apparatus according to any one of the first tosixth aspects of the invention, and the plurality of sensor nodes.

Here, a system is configured that includes the above-describedmanagement apparatus, and a plurality of sensor nodes capable ofcommunicating with the management apparatus.

Thus, as mentioned above, even if, for example, a request is input thatcannot be realized only with resources included in any one of theplurality of sensor nodes, the request can be readily realized by usingthe resources included in the plurality of sensor nodes whileeffectively combining these resources.

As a result, no new sensor node needs to be installed to satisfy therequest, and various needs can be satisfied by combining the existingsensor nodes.

A management system according to a ninth aspect of the invention is themanagement system according to the eighth aspect of the inventionfurther including a storage unit for storing the information regardingthe resources acquired by the resource information acquisition unit.

Here, the storage unit for storing information (resource information)regarding resources is provided, separately from the managementapparatus, within the system. Thus, an optimum combination of sensornodes (resources) can be determined for request information input fromoutside, using the resource information stored in the storage unitprovided within the management apparatus.

As a result of the resource information of the sensor nodes beingtemporarily stored in the storage unit in the management apparatus, whenrequest information is received, a combination that enables the requestto be realized can be determined using the latest resource information.

A management method according to a tenth aspect of the invention is amanagement method for satisfying a request input from outside by causingresources included in a plurality of sensor nodes to be provided for therequest, and includes an accepting step, a resource informationacquisition step, a required resource information calculation step, aninsufficient resource information calculation step, a combinationdetermination step, and a communication step. In the accepting step, therequest is accepted. In the resource information acquisition step,information regarding the resources included in the plurality of sensornodes is acquired. In the required resource information calculationstep, information regarding resources required to satisfy the requestaccepted in the accepting step is calculated. In the insufficientresource information calculation step, the required resources calculatedin the required resource information calculation step is compared withresources included in each of the plurality of sensor nodes, andinformation regarding an insufficient resource that each of the sensornodes lacks is calculated. In the combination determination step, acombination of resources required to satisfy the request is determined,based on the information regarding the insufficient resource calculatedin the insufficient resource information calculation step. In thecommunication step, a command to cause the plurality of sensor nodesthat include the required resources to provide the required resources istransmitted, based on the combination determined in the combinationdetermination step.

Here, even if various unexpected needs (requests) are given, theinformation regarding the resources included in the plurality of sensornodes is acquired, and a function that cannot be realized with onesensor node is realized by combining resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes.

Here, the request input from outside may be, for example a request thatis directly input by a user, or may be a request that is input from anexternal apparatus, an external system, or the like.

A sensor node may be, for example, an apparatus in which varioussensors, a data processing function, a data communication function, amemory function, and so on, are mounted on a substrate. Various sensorsincluded in a sensor node may be various sensors for measuring physicalquantities, such as an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a currentsensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor,a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a contact sensor, and a pressuresensor. The data processing function included in a sensor node may be,for example, FFT (Fast Fourier transform), encryption processing, or thelike. Furthermore, the data communication function included in a sensornode may be, for example, wireless communication (ZigBee (registeredtrademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc.), or wirelesscommunication (wireless LAN etc.) or wired communication (LAN etc.) inwhich communication is enabled via an IP network or the like.Furthermore, the memory function included in a sensor node may be a RAM(Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like in whichsensor data can be stored.

The information (resource information) regarding resources acquired bythe resource information acquisition step is resource informationprovided by the plurality of sensor nodes, and is information regardingresources that can be used for uses that differ from the original usesof the individual sensor nodes, for example. It is favorable that theresource information is always updated to the latest information bybeing regularly acquired from the respective sensor nodes.

The required resource information calculated in the required resourceinformation calculation step may be calculated using the resourceinformation acquired in the resource information acquisition step as-is,or may be calculated using resource information that is retrieved from astorage unit, external server, cloud system, or the like in which theresource information acquired in the resource information acquisitionstep is temporarily stored.

The insufficient resource information calculated in the insufficientresource information calculation step refers to information regardinginsufficient resources for a request that cannot be executed with asingle sensor node.

In the combination determination step, a combination is determined thatenables the request that cannot be executed with a single sensor node tobe realized, by combining resources included in the plurality of sensornodes. One or more resource combinations may be determined in thecombination determination step. For example, if a plurality ofcombinations are listed, the best combination that meets variousconditions may be selected.

The management apparatus may be provided in a location that differs fromthe locations of the sensor nodes, or may be provided in a specificsensor node, as long as the management apparatus can communicate withthe plurality of sensor nodes.

Thus, for example, even if a request is input that cannot be realizedonly with resources included in any one of the plurality of sensornodes, the request can be readily realized by using resources includedin the plurality of sensor nodes while effectively combining theseresources.

As a result, no new sensor node needs to be provided to satisfy therequest, and various needs can be satisfied by combining the existingsensor nodes.

A management program according to an eleventh aspect of the invention isa management program for satisfying a request input from outside bycausing resources included in a plurality of sensor nodes to be providedfor the request, and causes a computer to execute a management methodincluding: an accepting step, a resource information acquisition step, arequired resource information calculation step, an insufficient resourceinformation calculation step, a combination determination step, and acommunication step. In the accepting step, the request is accepted. Inthe resource information acquisition step, information regarding theresources included in the plurality of sensor nodes is acquired. In therequired resource information calculation step, information regardingresources required to satisfy the request accepted in the accepting stepis calculated. In the insufficient resource information calculationstep, the required resources calculated in the required resourceinformation calculation step is compared with resources included in eachof the plurality of sensor nodes, and information regarding aninsufficient resource that each of the sensor nodes lacks is calculated.In the combination determination step, a combination of resourcesrequired to satisfy the request is determined, based on the informationregarding the insufficient resource calculated in the insufficientresource information calculation step. In the communication step, acommand to cause the plurality of sensor nodes that include the requiredresources to provide the required resources is transmitted, based on thecombination determined in the combination determination step.

Here, even if various unexpected needs (requests) are given, theinformation regarding the resources included in the plurality of sensornodes is acquired, and a function that cannot be realized with onesensor node is realized by combining resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes.

Here, the request input from outside may be, for example, a request thatis directly input by a user, or may be a request that is input from anexternal apparatus, an external system, or the like.

A sensor node may be, for example, an apparatus in which varioussensors, a data processing function, a data communication function, amemory function, and so on, are mounted on a substrate. Various sensorsincluded in a sensor node may be various sensors for measuring physicalquantities, such as an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a currentsensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor,a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a contact sensor, and a pressuresensor. The data processing function included in a sensor node may be,for example, FFT (Fast Fourier transform), encryption processing, or thelike. Furthermore, the data communication function included in a sensornode may be, for example, wireless communication (ZigBee (registeredtrademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc.), or wirelesscommunication (wireless LAN etc.) or wired communication (LAN etc.) inwhich communication is enabled via an IP network or the like.Furthermore, the memory function included in a sensor node may be a RAM(Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like in whichsensor data can be stored.

The information (resource information) regarding resources acquired bythe resource information acquisition step is resource informationprovided by the plurality of sensor nodes, and is information regardingresources that can be used for uses that differ from the original usesof the individual sensor nodes, for example. It is favorable that theresource information is always updated to the latest information bybeing regularly acquired from the respective sensor nodes.

The required resource information calculated in the required resourceinformation calculation step may be calculated using the resourceinformation acquired in the resource information acquisition step as-is,or may be calculated using resource information that is retrieved from astorage unit, external server, cloud system, or the like in which theresource information acquired in the resource information acquisitionstep is temporarily stored.

The insufficient resource information calculated in the insufficientresource information calculation step refers to information regardinginsufficient resources for a request that cannot be executed with asingle sensor node.

In the combination determination step, a combination is determined thatenables the request that cannot be executed with a single sensor node tobe realized, by combining resources included in the plurality of sensornodes. One or more resource combinations may be determined in thecombination determination step. For example, if a plurality ofcombinations are listed, the best combination that meets variousconditions may be selected.

The management apparatus may be provided in a location that differs fromthe locations of the sensor nodes, or may be provided in a specificsensor node, as long as the management apparatus can communicate withthe plurality of sensor nodes.

Thus, for example, even if a request is input that cannot be realizedonly with resources included in any one of the plurality of sensornodes, the request can be readily realized by using the resourcesincluded in the plurality of sensor nodes while effectively combiningthese resources.

As a result, no new sensor node needs to be provided to satisfy therequest, and various needs can be satisfied by combining the existingsensor nodes.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The management apparatus according to the present invention enablesvarious needs to be satisfied by combining resources included in aplurality of sensor nodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management systemthat includes a coordinator according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a state where the latest resourceinformation is uploaded from sensor nodes in the management system shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state of transmitting, to sensornodes, a command needed for a need input from outside, in the managementsystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coordinator(management apparatus) that is included in the management system in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor node thatis included in the management system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a management method that isperformed by the coordinator (management apparatus) included in themanagement system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a management method that isperformed by the coordinator (management apparatus) included in themanagement system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by asensor node when the management method is performed by the coordinator(management apparatus) included in the management system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by asensor node when the management method is performed by the coordinator(management apparatus) included in the management system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows the content of a resource management table that isprovided in a sensor node included in the management system in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) show examples of table configurations of aresource DB that is included in the management system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a table configuration (resource managementtable) of a resource DB that is included in the management system inFIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a state where resources areinsufficient for a need input from outside, in a management system thatincludes a coordinator according to Example 1 of the present invention.

FIGS. 14(a), 14(b), and 14(c) show the content of resources included inrespective sensor nodes in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a transmission packet that is transmittedfrom a sensor node in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows a result of calculating resources required for a needinput from outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 shows feasibility evaluation for a need input from outside, inthe management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a state where a command istransmitted to sensor nodes that are combined to realize a need inputfrom outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a transmission packet that is transmittedfrom the coordinator in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 shows examples of commands that are transmitted from thecoordinator in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a state where resources included incombined sensor nodes are lent to each other to satisfy a need inputfrom outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a state where resources areinsufficient for a need input from outside, in a management system thatincludes a coordinator according to Example 2 of the present invention.

FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b) show the content of resources included inrespective sensor nodes in the management system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 shows a result of calculating resources required for a needinput from outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 shows feasibility evaluation for a need input from outside, inthe management system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a state where a command istransmitted to sensor nodes that are combined to satisfy a need inputfrom outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a state where resources included incombined sensor nodes are lent to each other to satisfy a need inputfrom outside, in the management system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coordinatoraccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of a coordinator (management apparatus)10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a managementsystem 1 that includes the coordinator 10, with reference to FIGS. 1 to12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 accordingly to thisembodiment includes a coordinator (management apparatus) 10 and aplurality of sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that are connected to eachother via the Internet 2, and a resource database (database)(hereinafter, “resource DB”) (storage unit) 20 that is connected to thecoordinator 10.

Although this embodiment takes, as an example, a configuration in whichthe management system 1 includes three sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, thenumber of sensor nodes included in the management system 1 is notlimited to three.

The coordinator 10 is a node that has a network management function, andperforms a later-described management method, and performs alater-described management method. Thus, the coordinator 10 can satisfyvarious needs by executing resources included in the plurality of sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 while combining these resources.

Specifically, the coordinator 10 acquires, via the Internet 2, resourceinformation that is regularly transmitted from the sensor nodes 30, 40,and 50, and stores it in the resource DB 20, as shown in FIG. 2.

When a need (request) input from outside cannot be realized with onesensor node, the coordinator 10 transmits a command to the sensor nodes30 and 40 to execute resources included in the sensor nodes 30 and 40while combining these resources, as shown in FIG. 3. It is thus possibleto satisfy even an unexpected need that differs from the purposes forwhich the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 are installed.

That is to say, the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 are installed forrespective, specific purposes, and have respective, unique functions.For this reason, if an unexpected need that differs from the purposesintended when the sensor nodes were designed is input from outside, thisneed may not be able to be satisfied only with any one of the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50. In this case, conventionally, a new sensor nodeneeds to be installed to satisfy the need.

In this regard, the coordinator 10 according to this embodiment executesresources included in the plurality of sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 whilecombining these resources so as to be able to satisfy various needs,using the resource information that are provided by the sensor nodes 30,40, and 50 and stored in the resource DB 20.

A specific configuration of the coordinator 10 will be described laterin detail.

The resource DB 20 stores information (resource information) regardingresources included in the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, theinformation having been received from the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50via the coordinator 10 and the Internet 2.

More specifically, the resource DB 20 stores information regardingresources that are provided by the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 and thatcan be provided for uses that differ from the original uses of therespective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50. Here, the resources of thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that can be provided for other uses changeover time. For this reason, the latest resource information to be storedin the resource DB 20 is provided by the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50every predetermined time, and thus the resource information is updatedregularly.

The resource information stored in the resource DB 20 includes, forexample, information regarding the types of sensors that the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 have, memory capacity, data processing functions,communication functions (network), time (cycle), and so on (see FIG. 12and other diagrams).

The respective sensor nodes 30, 40, 50 are designed and installed fortheir unique purposes. The sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 regularlytransmit the latest information regarding resources included in therespective sensor nodes, to the coordinator 10 via the Internet 2.

A specific configuration of the sensor node 30 will be described laterin detail.

Coordinator 10

The coordinator 10 according to this embodiment, upon receiving a need(request) input from outside, calculates resources (hardware andsoftware) required to use the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50included in the management system 1 for a use that differs from theiroriginal uses. The coordinator 10 then calculates information regardinginsufficient resources (insufficient resource information) (amount, timeetc.) that the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 lack forsatisfying the need, based on the calculated required resourceinformation and the information in the resource DB 20, namelyaccumulated information regarding resources that can be provided by thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50.

Information regarding resources that can be provided by the sensor nodes30, 40, and 50 includes the types of sensors that the sensor nodes 30,40, and 50 have, memory capacity, data processing functions,communication methods and performance, power supply information, and soon.

Furthermore, the coordinator 10 generates a plurality of combinationpatterns of resources included in the plurality of sensor nodes 30, 40,and 50, the combination patterns enabling the resources to complementeach other, based on information regarding the need and the insufficientresource information.

The coordinator 10 then transmits, to the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, acommand to provide resources included in the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50for a use that differs from their original uses.

Thus, as a result of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 providing requiredresources in accordance to the received command, the need input fromoutside can be satisfied even if the resources are used for a use thatdiffers from the original uses of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, to perform the above-described management method,the coordinator 10 according to this embodiment includes an acceptingunit 11, a need interpretation unit 12, a required resource informationcalculation unit 13 a, an insufficient resource information calculationunit 13 b, a combination determination unit 14, a resource DB managementunit 15, a sensor network management unit 16, a packet handling unit 17,a communication unit (resource information acquisition unit;communication unit) 18, and a sensing data management unit 19.

The accepting unit 11 accepts a need, which is input by a user and isdescribed in natural language, and transmits it to the needinterpretation unit 12.

The need interpretation unit 12 breaks down the need input by the userby functional requirements, and extracts, from input information,performance information needed to calculate resources required torealize respective functions.

The required resource information calculation unit 13 a calculates thetypes of required resources and required performance, based on a needfor each functional requirement (measurement/data storage/dataprocessing) extracted by the need interpretation unit 12.

The insufficient resource information calculation unit 13 b calculatesinformation regarding resources that are insufficient for satisfying theneed with each of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, using the resourceinformation saved in the resource DB 20.

The combination determination unit 14 generates a plurality of resourcecombinations to realize the types of required resources and the requiredperformance. That is to say, the combination determination unit 14generates a plurality of combinations that contain information regardingwhich resources of which of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 are to beused, as well as regarding the time to use the resources, and the amountof resources to be used.

The combination determination unit 14 then determines the resourcecombination to be ultimately executed from the plurality of generatedresource combinations, based on information regarding currently-usedresources and whether or not a change request has been made from thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50.

Furthermore, the combination determination unit 14 transmits, to theresource DB management unit 15, information that the combinationdetermination unit 14 is to acquire from the resource DB 20, andtransmits, to the resource DB management unit 15, information that thecombination determination unit 14 is to write in the resource DB 20.

The resource DB management unit 15 transmits an SQL statement to theresource DB 20 based on a request to read and write the resourceinformation stored in the resource DB 20, the request having been madeby the combination determination unit 14.

The sensor network management unit 16 manages a procedure for the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 to join and leave a sensor network. The sensornetwork management unit 16 transmits, to the resource DB management unit15, information in the resource DB 20 that is to be updated, based onthe result of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 joining or leaving asensor network.

The packet handling unit 17 transmits data received from the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 via the communication unit 18 to appropriateconstituent elements in accordance with the data type. The packethandling unit 17 then receives information to be transmitted to thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, from each unit, generates a packet, andtransmits the generated packet to the communication unit 18.

The communication unit 18 is a communication means that is connected tothe sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, transmits packets to the sensor nodes30, 40, and 50, and also receives packets from the sensor nodes 30, 40,and 50 (i.e. physically emits and receives radio waves).

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensing data management unit 19 receives sensingdata to be written in the sensing data DB 21 provided outside thecoordinator 10 from the packet handling unit 17, and generates andissues a command to write the sensing data in the sensing data DB 21.

With the above-described configuration, the coordinator 10 according tothis embodiment can make the existing sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 lendprovidable resources thereof to each other, even if a request is made touse the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 for a use that differs from theiroriginal uses.

As a result, installation of a new sensor node dedicated to satisfying aneed input by a user is no longer required, and the need input by theuser can be satisfied.

Sensor Node 30

The management system 1 according to this embodiment includes theplurality of sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, each of which is configured asan apparatus in which various sensors, a data processing function, adata communication function, a memory function, and so on are mounted ona substrate, for example.

Here, a configuration of one of these sensor nodes, namely the sensornode 30 will be described as an example. Although detailed descriptionof the other sensor nodes 40 and 50 are omitted, they also havesubstantially the same configuration as that of the sensor node 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor node 30 includes a communication unit 31,a packet handling unit 32, a resource distribution control unit 33, aresource management table 34, a task management unit 35, a data holdingunit 36, a measurement unit 37, and a data processing unit 38.

As shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 31 is connected to the othersensor nodes 40 and 50 and the coordinator 10. The communication unit 31transmits packets to the other sensor nodes 40 and 50, and receivespackets from the sensor nodes 40 and 50. Also, the communication unit 31transmits packets to the other sensor nodes 40 and 50, and receivespackets from the coordinator 10.

The packet handling unit 32 transmits data received from the othersensor nodes 40 and 50 or the coordinator 10 via the communication unit31, to appropriate constituent elements (resource distribution controlunit 33, data holding unit 36, measurement unit 37, data processing unit38 etc.) in accordance with the data type. Also, the packet handlingunit 32 receives information to be transmitted to the other sensor nodes40 and 50 or the coordinator 10 from any of the constituent elements,generates a packet, and transmits the generated packet to thecommunication unit 31.

The resource distribution control unit 33 calculates information (type,providable time etc.) of resources that can be provided for uses thatdiffer from the original use of the sensor node 30, based on a requestfrom the coordinator 10, and information acquired from the resourcemanagement table 34. The resource distribution control unit 33 thenreads and writes the content of the resource management table 34.

The resource management table 34 stores information regarding whichapplication will use resources of the sensor node 30 and for how long,for example.

The task management unit 35 references working schedule informationregarding each resource that is stored in the resource management table34, and extracts a task that is to be executed in the closest future.The task management unit 35 then transmits an execution instruction tothe constituent elements (packet handling unit 32, data holding unit 36,measurement unit 37, data processing unit 38 etc.).

The data holding unit 36 holds sensing data acquired by the measurementunit 37, data processed by the data processing unit 38, data receivedfrom the other sensor nodes 40 and 50, and so on, based on aninstruction received from the task management unit 35.

The measurement unit 37 measures a predetermined physical quantity andtransmits sensing data to the data holding unit 36, based on aninstruction received from the task management unit 35.

The data processing unit 38 acquires input data from the data holdingunit 36 to process the data, and transmits the processed data to thedata holding unit 36, based on an instruction received from the taskmanagement unit 35.

In the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 provide at least some of their resources for a usethat differs from their original uses, based on the content of a packetreceived from the coordinator 10.

Thus, resources included in the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 can becombined and used for a use other than their original uses, inaccordance with a need input to the coordinator 10 by the user.

Management Method Performed by the Management System 1

The following is a description of a management method performed by thecoordinator 10 according to this embodiment and the management system 1that includes this coordinator 10, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

That is to say, in step S11, the accepting unit 11 in the coordinator 10first accepts a need input by a user, as shown in FIG. 6.

Next, in step S12, the need interpretation unit 12 interprets themeaning of the need accepted by the accepting unit 11. Specifically, theneed interpretation unit 12 breaks down the need input by the user byfunctional requirements and extracts, from the input information,performance information needed to calculate resources required torealize the respective functions, as mentioned above.

Next, in step S13, the required resource information calculation unit 13a calculates information regarding resources required to satisfy theneed input by the user.

“A” that appears between steps S13 and S14 indicates that the resourceinformation stored in the resource DB 20 is updated to the latestinformation.

Next, in step S14, the communication unit 18 acquires informationregarding resources included in the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and50, from the plurality of sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 included in themanagement system 1.

Next, in step S15, the insufficient resource information calculationunit 13 b compares the required resource information calculated in stepS13 with the information regarding resources included in the respectivesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that is acquired in step S14, and calculatesinformation regarding insufficient resources that the respective sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 lack (insufficient resource information).

Next, in step S16, the combination determination unit 14 generates aplurality of answers (solutions) of resource combinations required tosatisfy the need input by the user, based on the resource informationstored in the resource DB 20.

Next, in step S17, the sensing data management unit 19 transmits, to thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, a command generated to make a request thatthe resources included in a specific resource combination be provided bythe sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that have these resources.

“B” that appears between steps S17 and S18 indicates that replies fromthe sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 to which the command has beentransmitted is being waited for.

Next, in step S18, replies from the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 to whichthe command has been transmitted are received via the communication unit18, and whether or not the resources can be provided by the respectivesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 is determined. Here, if the resources can beprovided (OK), the processing proceeds to step S19. On the other hand,if the resources cannot be provided due to a change that has been madein the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, the processing proceeds to step S20.

Next, in step S19, since it has been determined in step S18 that theresources can be provided by the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, theresource information stored in the resource DB 20 is updated so as toban the resources to be provided from being provided for other uses.

Here, the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 to which the command has beentransmitted provide the requested resources, and performs processing tosatisfy the need.

Next, in step S20, since it has been determined in step S18 that theresources cannot be provided, whether there is any other resourcecombination that enables the need to be satisfied is checked. Here, theprocessing proceeds to step S21 if there is any other combination, andthe processing ends if not.

Next, in step S21, since it has been determined in step S20 that thereis another combination, this combination is selected, and processing insteps S17 to S20 is repeated again.

Furthermore, in the management method according to this embodiment,processing is performed based on the type of a received packet, inaccordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

That is to say, in step S22, the type of packet received from the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 is determined. Here, if the type of packet involvescontent associated with the resource combination, the processingproceeds to step S23. If the type of packet involves content associatedwith sensing data, the processing proceeds to step S26. If the type ofpacket involves content associated with a sensor network, the processingproceeds to step S27.

Next, in step S23, the type of packet associated with the resourcecombination is determined. Here, if the type of packet is a response tothe command, the processing proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, ifthe type of packet is a request to change the resource combination, theprocessing proceeds to step S25.

In step S24, since the type of received packet is a response to thecommand, the content of the reply is checked. Then, the processingproceeds to “B” between steps S17 and S18 (FIG. 6).

In step S25, since a change request has been received from the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 to which the command to provide resources has beentransmitted, the content of the resource DB 20 is updated to the latestinformation so as to disallow the resources that were able to beprovided from being provided. Then, the processing proceeds to “A”between steps S13 and S14 (FIG. 6).

On the other hand, in step S26, since the type of packet involvescontent associated with sensing data, the sensing data management unit19 stores data in the sensing data DB 21, and ends the processing.

Furthermore, in step S27, since the type of packet involves contentassociated with a sensor network, the sensor network management unit 16adds a new sensor node to the management system 1, or carries out aprocedure for removing a sensor node from the management system 1.

Next, in step S28, the resource DB 20 is updated to the latestinformation so as to add information regarding resources that can beprovided by the new sensor node added to the management system 1, or todelete information regarding resources included in the sensor noderemoved from the management system 1.

Processing in Sensor Nodes 30, 40, and 50

In the management method according to this embodiment, each of thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 performs processing based on the type ofprocessing task in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, inresponse to the above-described processing performed by the coordinator10.

That is to say, in step S31, the task management unit 35 in each sensornode (here, the sensor node 30) extracts the next processing task fromthe resource management table 34.

Next, in step S32, the type of processing task is determined. Here, ifthe type of processing task involves content associated with a shutdown,the processing proceeds to step S33. If the type of processing taskinvolves content associated with measurement, the processing proceeds tostep S34. If the type of processing task involves content associatedwith data processing, the processing proceeds to step S37. If the typeof processing task involves content associated with transmission ofsensing data, the processing proceeds to step S41. If the type ofprocessing task involves content associated with storage of data fromthe other sensor nodes 40 and 50, the processing proceeds to step S45.

In step S33, based on the result of determining the type of processingtask, shutdown processing is performed and the processing ends.

In step S34, based on the result of determining the type of processingtask, the measurement unit 37 that has received an instruction from thetask management unit 35 performs measurement using a sensor.

Next, in step S35, the measurement unit 37 stores the measurement result(sensing data) from the sensor, in the data holding unit 36.

Next, in step S36, assuming that periodic measurement is to beperformed, the task management unit 35 overwrites the resourcemanagement table 34 to store the next measurement time, via the packethandling unit 32 and the resource distribution control unit 33.

In step S37, based on the result of determining the type of processingtask, the data processing unit 38 that has received an instruction fromthe task management unit 35 acquires input data from the data holdingunit 36.

Next, in step S38, the data processing unit 38 performs data processing.

The data processing performed here includes average value calculation,FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing, or the like, for example.

Next, in step S39, the data processing unit 38 stores the processed datain the data holding unit 36.

Next, in step S40, assuming that periodic data processing is to beperformed, the task management unit 35 overwrites the resourcemanagement table 34 to store the next processing time, via the packethandling unit 32 and the resource distribution control unit 33.

In step S41, based on the result of determining the type of processingtask, the packet handling unit 32 that has received an instruction fromthe task management unit 35 acquires input data from the data holdingunit 36.

Next, in step S42, the packet handling unit 32 generates a transmissionpacket.

Next, in step S43, the packet handling unit 32 causes the communicationunit 31 to transmit the transmission packet.

Next, in step S44, assuming that periodic packet transmission is to beperformed, the task management unit 35 overwrites the resourcemanagement table 34 to store the next transmission time, via the packethandling unit 32 and the resource distribution control unit 33.

In step S45, based on the result of determining the type of processingtask, the task management unit 35 determines whether or not receptiontimings are synchronous, when storing the data received from the othersensor nodes 40 and 50. The processing proceeds to step S46 if thereception timings are synchronous, and proceeds to step S49 if not.

Next, in step S46, a reception-waiting state is entered since thetimings of reception from the other sensor nodes 40 and 50 aresynchronous.

Next, in step S47, the packet handling unit 32, upon receiving data,stores the received data in the data holding unit 36.

Next, in step S48, assuming periodic reception, the task management unit35 overwrites the resource management table 34 to store the nextreception time, via the packet handling unit 32 and the resourcedistribution control unit 33.

Next, in step S49, since the timings of reception from the other sensornodes 40 and 50 are asynchronous, the packet handling unit 32 stores thereceived data in the data holding unit 36.

Next, in step S50, assuming periodic reception, the task management unit35 overwrites the resource management table 34 to store the nextreception time, via the packet handling unit 32 and the resourcedistribution control unit 33, similarly to step S48.

In the management method according to this embodiment, if the sensornode 30 receives data, the sensor node 30 performs processing inaccordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.

That is to say, if, in step S51, data is received, in step S52, the typeof packet of the received data is determined.

Here, if the type of packet is a command transmitted from thecoordinator 10, the processing proceeds to step S53. If the type ofpacket is data transmitted from the other sensor nodes 40 and 50, theprocessing proceeds to step S57.

Next, in step S53, resource provision information is written in theresource management table 34, in accordance with the content of thecommand received from the coordinator 10.

Next, in step S54, the result of executing the command received from thecoordinator 10 is determined. Here, the processing proceeds to step S55if the result of executing the command is successful, and proceeds tostep S56 if not.

Next, in step S55, a response indicating that the result of executingthe command is successful is transmitted to the coordinator 10 via thecommunication unit 31.

On the other hand, in step S56, a response indicating that the result ofexecuting the command is not successful to the coordinator 10 via thecommunication unit 31.

In step S57, processing to store data received from the other sensornodes 40 and 50 in the resource management table 34 is scheduled at thecurrent time.

Resource Management Table 34

The following is a description of an example of the content of theresource management table 34 in the sensor node 30, in relation to thecoordinator 10 according to this embodiment and the management system 1that includes the coordinator 10, with reference to FIG. 10.

That is to say, as shown in FIG. 10, the resource management table 34stores information regarding task categories, task (Task) numbers,priorities (Priority), statuses (Status), application (App.) numbers,start time (Start Time), and cycles (Cycle).

In this embodiment, each task is managed in units of time slots, and forexample, a time slot with 1 slot=100 ms is assumed. All tasks areassumed to be completed in one time slot.

The task categories include information regarding measurement(temperature, acceleration), data processing (average value (Ave), FFT),transmission of sensing data (transmission), and temporary storage ofsensing data from the other sensor nodes (temporary storage).

The task numbers refer to numbers assigned in the order of acceptance(from 0×01).

The priorities refer to the priorities (which are high in the order from0×01) that are referenced when processing overlaps at the same time.

The statuses indicate whether processing is currently valid (0×01) orinvalid (0×00).

The application numbers are numbers that are assigned in accordance withthe content of needs input by a user. Different numbers indicate thatdifferent applications are used.

The start times indicate the start time of each type of processing. Thevalues shown in FIG. 10, which are hexadecimal numbers, do not representabsolute time but indicate that processing is performed in the orderfrom a smaller value.

The cycles indicate whether or not respective types of processing are tobe performed repeatedly, and represent values associated with the cycle.The values shown in FIG. 10, which are hexadecimal numbers, representinformation indicating that processing is performed every five minutes,for example.

Each value of the start time and the cycle is a count value in a timeslot, and the actual time is obtained by multiplying each value by 100ms.

Furthermore, when each task is completed, the next execution timing isscheduled by writing the timing over the entry of the start time.

That is to say, a value obtained by adding the Cycle value to the StartTime value for the task that has been performed at this time is set asthe next Start Time value. Then, all start time values in the table arechecked. For example, if no value is the same as the next Start Timevalue, the next Start Time value is written over the Start Time value.On the other hand, if the same value as the next Start Time value isfound, the Priority is compared. If the Priority of the current task ishigher, the Start Time of this task is overwritten, and the Start Timeof the other task with lower priority is incremented by 1 andoverwritten. If the Priority of the current task is lower, a valueobtained by incrementing the next Start Time value by 1 is set as a newnext Start Time value, and the aforementioned check is performed again.

Table in Resource DB 20

The following is a description of an example of a configuration of theresource DB 20 included in the management system 1 according to thisembodiment, with reference to FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), and 12.

That is to say, the tables stored in the resource DB 20 include a sensornode number table shown in FIG. 11(a), an attribute ID table shown inFIG. 11(b), and a sensor node resource management table shown in FIG.12.

The sensor node number table shown in FIG. 11(a) includes informationregarding serial numbers, sensor node numbers, positions, and networkIDs.

The serial numbers refer to the numbers assigned in the order ofacceptance (1 . . . ).

The sensor node numbers refer to the numbers assigned to the respectivesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that are included in the management system1.

The positions (Position) indicate information regarding the positionswhere the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 is installed, thepositions being specified using the GPS (Global Positioning System)information.

The network IDs indicate information for specifying communicationmethods provided in the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50.

The attribute ID table shown in FIG. 11(b) is created to improve searchefficiency, and includes information regarding serial numbers, attributeIDs, and descriptions (Description).

The serial numbers refer to the numbers assigned in the order ofacceptance (1 . . . ).

The attribute IDs indicate abbreviations of functions stated in thedescriptions (Description). For example, SEN, MEM, DPRO, DPRO, and NWKrepresent measurement (Sensing), recording (storage) (Memory), dataprocessing (Data Processing), and communication (Network), respectively.

The sensor node resource management table shown in FIG. 12 is anaggregation of the resource management tables (resource management table34 etc.) that the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 have. Since the content ofthe resource management table 34 has already been described withreference to FIG. 10, a description is not given of the sensor noderesource management table, which is configured by gathering a pluralityof resource management tables 34.

Example 1

The following is a description of a coordinator (management apparatus)10 according to this example and a management system 1 that includesthis coordinator 10, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 21.

It is assumed that, in the management system 1 in this example, threesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that have three different sensors for threeapplications are installed, as shown in FIG. 13.

In this example, when measurement results from the sensors aretransmitted from the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 to the coordinator 10,information regarding resources that can be provided for uses thatdiffer from the original uses is transmitted together. The coordinator10 writes the received resource information in the resource DB 20.

Here, it is assumed that an acceleration sensor for tilt measurement ismounted in the sensor node 50 for App.3, and a need for using data ofthis acceleration sensor for a use that differs from the original usesof the three applications is input by a user. It is also assumed thatthe user inputs a need for measuring three-axis acceleration data at 400Hz for 0.5 seconds, and performing this measurement in a cycle of fiveminutes. In this case, data that is generated during one measurementunit is 6 kB, according to the following equation.3 axes×400 sets of data/sec×0.5 sec×10 bytes/data=6000 byte=6 kB

In the configuration in this example, the data memory of the sensor node50 for App.3 only has a capacity of 1.5 kB, the memory accordingly isinsufficient for realizing the need input by the user, and thus the needcannot be realized only with the sensor node 50.

FIGS. 14(a), 14(b), and 14(c) illustrate a specific example of resourcesthat are included in the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 and canbe provided for other uses.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), resources that are included in the sensor node30 and can be provided for other uses are sensors for measuring powerand power factors, a memory of 5 kB, data processing for encryption(AES128), and data communication at 10 kbps.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), resources that are included in the sensor node40 and can be provided for other uses are sensors for measuringtemperature, humidity, and illuminance, a memory of 3 kB, and datacommunication at 10 kbps. The sensor node 40 has no resources thatcorrespond to the data processing function and can be provided for otheruses.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), resources that are included in the sensor node50 and can be provided for other uses are sensors for measuring tilt,three-axis acceleration, and mass, a memory of 1 kB, and datacommunication at 10 kbps. The sensor node 50 also has no resources thatcorrespond to the data processing function and can be provided for otheruses.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 15, of anexample of a transmission packet that is transmitted from the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 to the coordinator 10.

As shown in FIG. 15, a transmission packet that is transmitted from thesensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 to the coordinator 10 is a message frame(Message Frame) that serves as one unit (one packet), and the messageframe includes data entity (Data Entity).

Four types of IDs are set as data type IDs (Data Type ID) that are to beincluded in message frames.

A first ID (0×01) indicates “transmission from sensor node tocoordinate; no resource table information”.

A second ID (0×02) indicates “transmission from sensor node tocoordinator; resource table information available”.

A third ID (0×10) indicates “transmission from coordinator to sensornode (command from coordinator)”.

A fourth ID (0×00) indicates “broadcast”.

The transmission packet shown in FIG. 15 is a packet that is transmittedwhen resources are provided by any of the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50,and the second ID (0×02) is set for this packet.

Application IDs included in data entities contain the followinginformation.

IDs (0×01 to 0×FE) indicate “reserved”, i.e. indicate that resources arereserved for applications, and an ID (0×FF) indicates providableresource information.

When the application ID is (0×FF), the attribute ID in the resource DB20 is stored as a sensor data ID that is included in the data entity.

Data of the attribute ID is stored as Sensor Data that is included inthe data entity. It is assumed, as an example, that data is text, andits size is up to 20 bytes.

In the management system 1 in this example, if a need is input to thecoordinator 10 shown in FIG. 13 by a user, the aforementioned requiredresource information calculation unit 13 a (see FIG. 4) calculatesrequired resource information, which is shown in FIG. 16.

In this example, required resource information, i.e. informationregarding required resources including the acceleration sensor, a memoryof 6 kB, and a 0.16-kbps network (data processing is not required) ofthe sensor node 50 is calculated to realize the need input by the user,as shown in FIG. 16.

Also, in the coordinator 10, the insufficient resource informationcalculation unit 13 b (see FIG. 4) calculates insufficient resourceinformation, which is shown in FIG. 17, as feasibility evaluation.

In this example, insufficient resource information is calculated asfeasibility evaluation indicating that, of the sensor node 50, theacceleration sensor is OK, the memory is insufficient by 5 kB, the0.16-kbps network is OK, and data processing is not required, withrespect to the resources required to realize the need input by the user,as shown in FIG. 17.

At this time, the coordinator 10 searches resource information stored inthe resource DB 20.

Specifically, under “search condition: sensor nodes 30 and 40 that arelocated near sensor node 50 with ID=3, and that can provide Memory”,“search result: Sensor Node ID=1, Attribute ID=2, Data=5 kB” and “searchresult: Sensor Node ID=2, Attribute ID=2, Data=3 kB” are obtained.

Next, in the coordinator 10, the combination determination unit 14generates a plurality of combination patterns of resources that satisfythe aforementioned search condition.

For example, the combination determination unit 14 obtains “Sensor NodeID=1, Attribute ID=2, Data=5 kB” as a pattern 1, and “Sensor Node ID=1,Attribute ID=2, Data=3 kB” and “Sensor Node ID=2, Attribute ID=2, Data=2kB” as a pattern 2.

Here, a combination is selected from the plurality of generatedcombination patterns while giving priority to a combination with loweravailability of resources (memory), a combination in which the number ofsensor nodes to be combined is smaller, and a combination in which thecommunication speed between nodes is higher, for example.

Then, based on the resource information received from the plurality ofsensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 included in the management system 1, thecoordinator 10 understands that another sensor node, namely the sensornode 30 can provide a data memory of 5 kB.

Then, to combine the resources included in the plurality of sensor nodes30 and 50 to realize the need input by the user, the coordinator 10generates a command and transmits the generated command to the sensornodes 30 and 50, as shown in FIG. 18.

As a result of selecting the combination of the pattern 1, the followingcommand is transmitted to the sensor nodes 30 and 50 to request that thesensor node 30 provide a memory of 5 kB:

-   -   pattern 1: RUN

Sensor Node ID=1, Attribute ID=2, Data=5 kB

for Application ID=0×04.

The following is a more detailed description of the content of thecommand transmitted to the sensor nodes 30 and 50, with reference toFIGS. 19 and 20.

As shown in FIG. 19, the command transmitted to the sensor nodes 30 and50 contains a message frame (Message Frame) that serves as one unit (onepacket), and the message frame includes data entity (Data Entity).

Four types of IDs are set as the data type IDs (Data Type IDs) that areto be included in message frames, as mentioned above.

Here, the third ID (0×10) is selected, which indicates “transmissionfrom coordinator to sensor node (command from coordinator)”.

Next, data of the command transmitted from the coordinator 10 includesan application ID, a source sensor node ID, a destination ID, anattribute ID, and a data portion, as shown in FIG. 20.

The attribute ID=1 indicates Sensing (measurement), and the dataincludes a sensor ID and a sensing cycle (Sensing Cycle). Here, theSource Sensor Node ID is the ID of the sensor node itself, and indicateswhich sensor output (Sensor ID) of the sensor node itself is to beacquired in which cycle (Sensing Cycle) for which application(Application ID), and where (Destination ID) the acquired sensor outputis to be sent.

The attribute ID=2 indicates Memory (recording), and the data includes asensor ID and data size. Here, it is indicated which of the sensor nodes(Source Sensor Node ID) is to provide how much (Data Size) memory of thesensor node itself for which sensor data (Sensor ID) for whichapplication (Application ID), and where (Destination ID) held data is tobe sent.

The attribute ID=3 indicates data processing, and the data includes asensor ID and a function (Function) ID. Here, it is indicated whichsensor data (Sensor ID) for which application (Application ID) is to beinput from which sensor node (Source Sensor Node ID), data processingfunction (Function ID) of the sensor node itself is to be operated, andwhere (Destination ID) to send output data.

Accordingly, in this example, attribute ID=2 is set for the commandtransmitted to the sensor node 30.

As a result, a command is transmitted from the sensor node 30 to thesensor node 50 so that a memory of 5 kB of the sensor node 30 itself isprovided for the acceleration sensor included in the sensor node 50, andso that held data is sent to the sensing data DB 21.

In this example, the above-described management method realizes the needinput by the user by combining the resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes 30 and 50 included in the management system 1, as shownin FIG. 21.

That is to say, the coordinator 10 calculates resources required for theneed input by the user, as shown in FIG. 21.

The required resource information indicates an acceleration sensor, amemory of 6 kB, and a network of 0.16 kbps.

The coordinator 10 then references information regarding the resourcesincluded in the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 that is stored in theresource DB 20, and calculates insufficient resource information, i.e.information regarding resources that will be insufficient with onesensor node 50 to realize the need.

In this example, the insufficient resource information indicates amemory of 5 kB.

Since the need cannot be realized only with the sensor node 50, thecoordinator references resource information, i.e. information regardingresources that can be provided by the other sensor nodes 30 and 40, andcombines the resources included in the other sensor nodes 30 and 40 withthe resources included in the sensor node 50.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, an acceleration sensor, a memory of 1kB, and a measurement cycle of 5 minutes, which are resources includedin the sensor node 50, are provided, and a memory of 5 kB, which is aresource included in the sensor node 30, is provided.

Then, the sensor node 30 transmits a packet to the coordinator 10 so asto update the information regarding the resources that the sensor node30 can provide.

Also, the sensor node 30 receives 5 kB of data of AppID=0×04, andthereafter transmits the data to the data holding unit 36.

Thus, although the need input by the user cannot be realized only withthe sensor node 50, the need can be readily realized by causing theplurality of other sensor nodes 30 and 40 included in the managementsystem 1 provide resources that are not in use.

As a result, a variety of needs can be satisfied by using resourcesincluded in the plurality of sensor nodes 30 and 50 while combiningthese resources, without setting a new sensor node.

Example 2

The following is a description of a coordinator (management apparatus)110 in this example and a management system 101 that includes thecoordinator 110, with reference to FIGS. 22 to 27.

It is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 22, three sensor nodes 130 and 140that have two different sensors for two applications are installed inthe management system 101 in this embodiment.

In this example, when measurement results from the sensors aretransmitted from the sensor nodes 130 and 140 to the coordinator 10,information regarding resources that can be provided for uses thatdiffer from their original uses is transmitted together. The coordinator110 writes the received resource information in the resource DB 20.

Here, it is assumed that a user has input a need for understandingfrequency spectrum intensity of vibration data with respect to anapparatus A, in which the sensor node 130 is provided. It is alsoassumed that the user has input a need for measuring three-axisacceleration data at 1 kHz for 1.0 second, and performing thismeasurement in a cycle of five minutes.

In the configuration in this example, the sensor node 130 provided inthe apparatus A does not have an FFT function, and thus, the need inputby the user cannot be realized only with the sensor node 130.

Here, a specific example of resources included in the sensor nodes 130and 140 is shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b).

As shown in FIG. 23(a), resources that are included in the sensor node130 and can be provided for other uses are a three-axis sensor, which isprovided to keep the apparatus A in a horizontal state, a memory of 49.5kB, and data communication at 10 kbps. The sensor node 130 has noresources that correspond to the data processing function and can beprovided for other uses.

As shown in FIG. 23(b), resources that are included in the sensor node140 and can be provided for other uses are a three-axis accelerationsensor for sensing the normal/abnormal state of an apparatus B(compressor) by detecting a vibration thereof, a memory of 40 kB, an FFTdata processing function, and data communication at 10 kbps.

In the management system 101 in this example, if a need is input to thecoordinator 110 shown in FIG. 22 by a user, the aforementioned requiredresource information calculation unit 13 a (see FIG. 4) calculates therequired resource information, which is shown in FIG. 24.

In this example, required resource information, i.e. informationregarding required resources including the acceleration sensor, a memoryof 30 kB, the FFT data function, and a 0.8-kbps network of the sensornode 130 is calculated as resources required to realize the need inputby the user, as shown in FIG. 24.

Also, in the coordinator 110, the insufficient resource informationcalculation unit 13 b (see FIG. 4) calculates insufficient resourceinformation, which is shown in FIG. 25, as feasibility evaluation.

In this example, insufficient resource information is calculated asfeasibility evaluation indicating that, of the sensor node 130, theacceleration sensor is OK, the memory is also OK, the data processingfunction, namely FFT is lacking, and the 0.8-kbps network is OK, withrespect to the resources required to realize the need input by the user,as shown in FIG. 25.

At this time, the coordinator 110 searches resource information storedin the resource DB 20.

Specifically, under “search condition: sensor node 140 near sensor node130 with ID=2, and sensor node capable of providing FFT as dataprocessing function”, “search result: Sensor Node ID=2, Attribute ID=3,Data=FFT” is obtained.

Then, based on the resource information received from the plurality ofsensor nodes 130 and 140 included in the management system 101, thecoordinator 110 understands that the other sensor node 140 can provideFFT as the data processing function that the sensor node 130 lacks.

Thus, to combine the resources included in the plurality of sensor nodes130 and 140 to realize the need input by the user, the coordinator 110generates a command and transmits the generated command to the sensornodes 130 and 140, as shown in FIG. 26.

Here, the following command is transmitted to the sensor nodes 130 and140 to request that the sensor node 140 provide the data processingfunction (FFT):

-   -   pattern 1: RUN    -   Sensor Node ID=2, Attribute ID=3, Data=FFT    -   for Application ID=0×03

In this example, the above-described management method realizes the needinput by the user by combining the resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes 130 and 140 included in the management system 101, asshown in FIG. 27.

That is to say, the coordinator 110 calculates resources required forthe need input by the user, as shown in FIG. 27.

The required resource information indicates an acceleration sensor, amemory of 30 kB, an FFT data processing function, and a 0.8-kbpsnetwork.

The coordinator 110 then references information regarding the resourcesincluded in the sensor nodes 130 and 140 that is stored in the resourceDB 20, and calculates insufficient resource information, i.e.information regarding resources that will be insufficient with onesensor node 130 to realize the need.

In this example, insufficient resource information indicates the FFTdata processing function.

Since the need cannot be realized only with the sensor node 130, thecoordinator 110 references resource information, i.e. informationregarding resources that can be provided by the other sensor node 140,and combines the resources included in the other sensor node 140 withthe resources included in the sensor node 130.

As a result, the acceleration sensor and a memory of 30 kB, which areresources included in the sensor node 130, are provided, and the FFTdata processing function, which is a resource included in the sensornode 140, is provided, as shown in FIG. 27.

Then, the sensor node 140 transmits a packet to the coordinator 110 soas to update the information regarding the resources that the sensornode 140 itself can provide.

Also, the sensor node 130 receives 30 kB of data of AppID=0×03 andthereafter transmits the data to the sensor node 140. Then, the sensornode 140 processes data, and transmits the processed data to thecoordinator 110.

Thus, although the need input by the user cannot be realized only withthe sensor node 130, the need can be readily realized by causing othersensor nodes 140 included in the management system 101 to provide aresource (FFT) that is not in use.

As a result, a variety of needs can be satisfied by using the resourcesincluded in the plurality of sensor nodes 130 while combining theseresources, without setting a new sensor node.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, thepresent invention is not limited to the above embodiment and may bemodified in various manners without departing from the gist of theinvention.

(A)

The above embodiment has described an example in which the coordinator10 included in the management system 1 performs the management methodaccording to the present invention, in accordance with the flowchartsshown in FIGS. 6 to 9. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

For example, the management method performed in accordance with theflowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 may be provided as a management programto be executed by a computer to realize the present invention.

Alternatively, the present invention may be realized as a recordingmedium that stores the above-described program.

(B)

The above embodiment has described an example in which the resource DB20 for storing information regarding resources included in the sensornodes 30, 40, and 50 is provided outside the coordinator 10. However,the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, a resource DB (storage unit) 220 for storing resourceinformation may be provided within a coordinator 210, as shown in FIG.28.

(C)

The above embodiment has described, as an example, a configuration ofthe management system 1 in which the coordinator 10, which is connectedto the three sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 via the Internet 2, executesresources included in the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 while combiningthese resources. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the number of sensor nodes included in the managementsystem according to the present invention is not limited to three, andmay alternatively be two as in Example 2 above, or may be four or more.

(D)

Example 1 above has described a power (power factor) sensor, atemperature/humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration(tilt) sensor, and a weight sensor as examples of sensors included inthe sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, as shown in FIG. 13. Example 2 abovehas described an acceleration (tilt) sensor and an acceleration(vibration) sensor as examples of sensors included in the sensor nodes130 and 14, as shown in FIG. 22.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, sensors included in the sensor nodes that constitute themanagement system according to the present invention may also be sensorsfor measuring physical quantities other than the above-listed sensors,and may be, for example, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a motionsensor, a contact sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

Furthermore, as for the data processing function included in the sensornodes, a data processing function other than the functions described inExamples 1 and 2 above may also be employed.

Also, as for the data communication function included in the sensornodes, functions other than those described in Examples 1 and 2 above,such as wireless communication (ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth(registered trademark) etc.) or an IP network, may also be employed.

(E)

The above embodiment has described an example in which the plurality ofsensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 regularly transmit the latest informationregarding resources included in the respective sensor nodes 30, 40, and50 to the coordinator 10. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

For example, if a change is made in the plurality of sensor nodes thatconstitute the management system, the resource information may beupdated by the changed sensor node transmitting the content of change tothe coordinator.

Alternatively, if a new sensor node is added to the management system,the resource information in the system may be updated by the addedsensor node transmitting its own resource information to thecoordinator.

Furthermore, if, for example, any of the existing sensor nodes thatconstitute the management system are removed from the system, theresource information in the system may be updated by the removed sensornode transmitting its own resource information to the coordinator.

In yet another embodiment, a method may be employed in which thecoordinate transmits a command to the sensor nodes, with user inputacting as a trigger, and the sensor nodes transmit, to the coordinator,information regarding resources that the sensor nodes can provide, inresponse to the command.

In this case, the latest information regarding resources included in thesensor nodes can be collected by the coordinator.

(F)

The above embodiment has described an example in which informationregarding resources that the sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50 can provide foruses that differ from their original uses, is transmitted to and storedin the resource DB 20. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

For example, information regarding all resources included in the sensornodes may be transmitted to and stored in the resource DB.

In this case, it is favorable that the sensor nodes also transmit, forexample, information regarding the schedule (time) of using therespective resources together. Thus, it is possible to recognizeinformation regarding resources capable of being provided for other usesthat may change depending on the time period.

(G)

The above embodiment has described an example in which the coordinator10 satisfies a need input from outside, by combining resources that areprovided for a use that differs from the original uses of the individualsensor nodes 30, 40, and 50. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto.

For example, the resources that are included in the plurality of sensornodes and are to be used in a combination may be used for the same usesas the original uses of the respective sensor nodes.

That is to say, even if the input need is for the same use as theoriginal use of any of the plurality of sensor nodes, the need may notbe able to be satisfied with performance of the individual sensor nodes.Then, even if the need is for the original use of a specific sensor, theneed may be satisfied by combining resources included in the pluralityof sensor nodes to complement performance of the specific sensor.

(H)

The above embodiment has described information that is directly input bya user, as an example of a need that is input to the coordinator 10 fromoutside. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, a need that is input from outside may be other than theinformation that is directly input by a user, and may be informationthat is input from an external apparatus, system, or the like.

(I)

The above embodiment has described an example in which the coordinator10 acquires information regarding resources that can be provided by theplurality of sensor nodes 30, 40, and 50, and obtains a plurality ofresource combinations to satisfy a need that is input from outside.However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the coordinator may obtain only one resource combination tosatisfy the need.

Note that the present invention can also be expressed as follows.

(Note 1)

A management apparatus configured to satisfy a request input fromoutside by causing resources included in a plurality of sensor nodes tobe provided for the request, the management apparatus including a memoryand at least one processor connected to the memory,

wherein the processor is configured to

accept the request;

acquire information regarding the resources included in the plurality ofsensor nodes;

calculate information regarding resources required to satisfy therequest;

compare the required resources with resources included in each of theplurality of sensor nodes, and calculate information regardinginsufficient resources that each of the sensor nodes lacks;

determine a combination of resources required to satisfy the request,based on the information regarding the insufficient resources; and

transmit a command to cause a plurality of sensor nodes that include therequired resources to provide the required resources, based on thedetermined combination.

(Note 2)

A management method including:

a step of accepting the request, by at least one processor;

a step of acquiring information regarding resources included in aplurality of sensor nodes, by at least one processor;

a step of obtaining information regarding resources required to satisfythe request accepted in the accepting step, by at least one processor;

a step of comparing the required resources obtained in the requiredresource information calculation step with resources included in each ofthe plurality of sensor nodes, and obtaining information regardinginsufficient resources that each of the sensor nodes lacks, by at leastone processor;

a step of determining a combination of resources required to satisfy therequest, based on the information regarding the insufficient resourcescalculated in the insufficient resource information calculation step, byat least one processor; and

a step of transmitting a command to cause a plurality of sensor nodesthat include the required resources to provide the required resources,based on the combination determined in the combination determinationstep, by at least one processor.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The management apparatus according to the present invention has aneffect of enabling various needs to be satisfied by combining resourcesincluded in a plurality of sensor nodes, and is thus widely applicableto various systems or the like that include a plurality of sensor nodes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 Management system    -   2 Network    -   10 Coordinator (management apparatus)    -   11 Accepting unit    -   12 Need interpretation unit    -   13 a Required resource information calculation unit    -   13 b Insufficient resource information calculation unit    -   14 Combination determination unit    -   15 Resource DB management unit    -   16 Sensor network management unit    -   17 Packet handling unit    -   18 Communication unit (resource information acquisition unit,        communication unit)    -   19 Sensing data management unit    -   20 Resource DB (database) (storage unit)    -   21 Sensing data DB    -   30 Sensor node    -   31 Communication unit    -   32 Packet handling unit    -   33 Resource distribution control unit    -   34 Resource management table    -   35 Task management unit    -   36 Data holding unit    -   37 Measurement unit    -   38 Data processing unit    -   40 Sensor node    -   50 Sensor node    -   101 Management system    -   110 Coordinator (management apparatus)    -   130 Sensor node    -   140 Sensor node    -   210 Coordinator    -   220 Resource DB (database) (storage unit)

The invention claimed is:
 1. A management apparatus configured tosatisfy a request input from outside by causing individual resourcesincluded in each of a plurality of sensor nodes to be provided forsatisfying the request, the individual resources comprising one or moreof hardware resources, software resources, and capabilities of each ofthe plurality of sensor nodes, the management apparatus comprising amemory and at least one processor connected to the memory, wherein theprocessor is configured to accept the request; acquire informationregarding the individual resources included in each of the plurality ofsensor nodes; calculate information regarding required resourcesrequired to satisfy the request; compare the calculated informationregarding the required resources required to satisfy the request withthe acquired information regarding the individual resources included ineach of the plurality of sensor nodes, and calculate informationregarding one or more of the required resources that each of the sensornodes lacks for satisfying the request; determine a combination of theindividual resources of the plurality of sensor nodes to meet therequired resources required to satisfy the request, based on theacquired information regarding the individual resources included in eachof the plurality of sensor nodes, and the calculated informationregarding the one or more of the required resources that each of thesensor nodes lacks for satisfying the request, the combination of theindividual resources of the plurality of sensor nodes is selected withpriority given to at least one of a combination having a loweravailability of resources and a combination having a highercommunication speed between sensor nodes; and transmit a command tocause ones of the plurality of sensor nodes that include the determinedcombination of the individual resources that meet the required resourcesrequired to satisfy the request, to provide the required resources,based on the determining of the combination.
 2. The management apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the memory includes a storage unitconfigured to store information regarding the request and theinformation regarding the individual resources included in each of theplurality of sensor nodes.
 3. The management apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to regularly acquire latestresource information from the plurality of sensor nodes.
 4. Themanagement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the informationregarding the individual resources included in each of the plurality ofsensor nodes includes at least one of a type, a storage, capacity of amemory, data processing capability, a communication method,communication performance, and power supply information of a sensorincluded in each sensor node.
 5. The management apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a plurality ofcombinations of resources required to satisfy the request.
 6. Themanagement apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine the combination of the resources included in thecommand, from the plurality of calculated combinations of the resourcesrequired to satisfy the request, based on at least one of availabilityof the resources, the number of resources required in the combination,and a communication speed between the sensor nodes.
 7. The managementapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured tocalculate information regarding at least one of a type, capacity,performance, and time of the required resources.
 8. A management systemcomprising: the management apparatus according to claim 1; and theplurality of sensor nodes.
 9. The management system according to claim8, wherein the memory includes a storage unit configured to store theinformation regarding the resources.
 10. A management method forsatisfying a request input from outside by causing individual resourcesincluded in each of a plurality of sensor nodes to be provided forsatisfying the request, the individual resources comprising one or moreof hardware resources, software resources, and capabilities of each ofthe plurality of sensor nodes, the management method comprising:accepting the request, by at least one processor; acquiring informationregarding the individual resources included in each of the plurality ofsensor nodes, by at least one processor; calculating informationregarding required resources required to satisfy the accepted request,by at least one processor; comparing the calculated informationregarding the required resources required to satisfy the request withthe acquired information regarding the individual resources included ineach of the plurality of sensor nodes, and calculating informationregarding one or more of the required resources that each of the sensornodes lacks for satisfying the request, by at least one processor;determining a combination of the individual resources of the pluralityof sensor nodes to meet the required resources required to satisfy therequest, based on the acquired information regarding the individualresources included in each of the plurality of sensor nodes, and thecalculated information regarding the one or more of the requiredresources that each of the sensor nodes lacks for satisfying therequest, by at least one processor, the combination of the individualresources of the plurality of sensor nodes is selected with prioritygiven to further determined based on at least one of a combinationhaving a lower availability of resources and a combination having ahigher communication speed between sensor nodes; and transmitting acommand to cause ones of the plurality of sensor nodes that include thedetermined combination of the individual resources that meet therequired resources required to satisfy the request, to provide therequired resources, based on the determining the combination, by atleast one processor.
 11. A non-transitory computer readable mediumstoring a management program for satisfying a request input from outsideby causing individual resources included in each of a plurality ofsensor nodes to be provided for satisfying the request, the individualresources comprising one or more of hardware resources, softwareresources, and capabilities of each of the plurality of sensor nodes,the management program for causing a computer to perform a managementmethod comprising: accepting the request; acquiring informationregarding the individual resources included in each of the plurality ofsensor nodes; calculating information regarding required resourcesrequired to satisfy the accepted request; comparing the calculatedinformation regarding the required resources required to satisfy therequest with the acquired information regarding the individual resourcesincluded in each of the plurality of sensor nodes, and calculatinginformation regarding one or more of the required resources that each ofthe sensor nodes lacks for satisfying the request; determining acombination of the individual resources of the plurality of sensor nodesto meet the required resources required to satisfy the request, based onthe acquired information regarding the individual resources included ineach of the plurality of sensor nodes, and the calculated informationregarding the one or more of the required resources that each of thesensor nodes lacks for satisfying the request, the combination of theindividual resources of the plurality of sensor nodes is selected withpriority given to at least one of a combination having a loweravailability of resources and a combination having a highercommunication speed between sensor nodes; and transmitting a command tocause ones of the plurality of sensor nodes that include the determinedcombination of the individual resources that meet the required resourcesrequired to satisfy the request, to provide the required resources,based on the determining the combination.
 12. The management apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to regularlyacquire latest resource information from the plurality of sensor nodes.13. The management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein theinformation regarding the individual resources included in each of theplurality of sensor nodes includes at least one of a type, a storage,capacity of a memory, data processing capability, a communicationmethod, communication performance, and power supply information of asensor included in each sensor node.
 14. The management apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the information regarding the individualresources included in each of the plurality of sensor nodes includes atleast one of a type, a storage, capacity of a memory, data processingcapability, a communication method, communication performance, and powersupply information of a sensor included in each sensor node.
 15. Themanagement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor isconfigured to calculate a plurality of combinations of resourcesrequired to satisfy the request.
 16. The management apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a pluralityof combinations of resources required to satisfy the request.
 17. Themanagement apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor isconfigured to calculate a plurality of combinations of resourcesrequired to satisfy the request.
 18. The management apparatus accordingto claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to determine thecombination of the resources included in the command, from the pluralityof calculated combinations of the resources required to satisfy therequest, based on at least one of availability of the resources, thenumber of resources required in the combination, and a communicationspeed between the sensor nodes.
 19. The management apparatus accordingto claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to determine thecombination of the resources included in the command, from the pluralityof calculated combinations of the resources required to satisfy therequest, based on at least one of availability of the resources, thenumber of resources required in the combination, and a communicationspeed between the sensor nodes.
 20. The management apparatus accordingto claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to determine thecombination of the resources included in the command, from the pluralityof calculated combinations of the resources required to satisfy therequest, based on at least one of availability of the resources, thenumber of resources required in the combination, and a communicationspeed between the sensor nodes.